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The First Quarto #4
A Fault against the Dead
Drugs. Sex. Murder. And, if they can squeeze it in, graduation.
When Auggie Lopez returns to Wahredua for his senior year of college, he’s excited about the future: he’s growing his brand as an influencer, he’s almost done with school, and he’s building a life with his boyfriend, Theo. Then Auggie gets a phone call from Howard Cartwright, Theo’s ex—and Cart tells Auggie he’s being framed for murder.
As Auggie and Theo begin to look into the death of a local parole officer, they realize something isn’t right. A gang of armed men almost catches them while they’re searching the victim’s home, a threatening message spray-painted on the victim’s home suggests a personal vendetta, and everyone wants to know about a missing cache of money. The trail leads Auggie and Theo into the dangerous world of the Ozark Volunteers—the local white supremacists who control the region’s drug trade.
After Theo and Auggie are attacked at home, they learn that the stakes might be much, much higher: someone is determined to put a stop to their investigation, no matter what it takes. And the killer, Theo and Auggie suspect, is hiding behind a badge.
When Auggie Lopez returns to Wahredua for his senior year of college, he’s excited about the future: he’s growing his brand as an influencer, he’s almost done with school, and he’s building a life with his boyfriend, Theo. Then Auggie gets a phone call from Howard Cartwright, Theo’s ex—and Cart tells Auggie he’s being framed for murder.
As Auggie and Theo begin to look into the death of a local parole officer, they realize something isn’t right. A gang of armed men almost catches them while they’re searching the victim’s home, a threatening message spray-painted on the victim’s home suggests a personal vendetta, and everyone wants to know about a missing cache of money. The trail leads Auggie and Theo into the dangerous world of the Ozark Volunteers—the local white supremacists who control the region’s drug trade.
After Theo and Auggie are attacked at home, they learn that the stakes might be much, much higher: someone is determined to put a stop to their investigation, no matter what it takes. And the killer, Theo and Auggie suspect, is hiding behind a badge.
319 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2022
24 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
129 books1,757 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 22, 2024
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 4.5 stars
Loved it.
Theo and Auggie continue to warm their freaking way into my heart.
Loved the Mystery, Character development and the relationship development.
Thank you so much to the author for providing a complimentary copy of the audiobook.
Story - 4.5 stars
Loved it.
Theo and Auggie continue to warm their freaking way into my heart.
Loved the Mystery, Character development and the relationship development.
Thank you so much to the author for providing a complimentary copy of the audiobook.
October 17, 2023
*Oct. 16, 2023 - the audiobook hath dropeth at last! flood your ears with J.F. Harding’s honeyed tones today: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0CL5LC3TV
————
guess what day it is? AFATD RELEASE DAY 🥳🎊🎉 go, my friends - let the binge begin!!!
(btw GA switched mailing list providers so if you didn’t receive yesterday’s update, you can find it here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview.... he also wrote a short story for new subscribers to his mailing list that takes place *before* Hazard returns to Wahredua - if you’re already subscribed, you can download the file in his Facebook group!)
————
thank you to the multi-talented queen Antara for her amazing photoshop skills and making my dreams of GA being the fifth secret member of blackpink come to life 🥺
[4.5] oh my heavens, where do i even begin?
to give some context to my current mental state, i am this close 🤏 to appending “manifesting early retirement” to my name because the stress is eating me aliveeee. even my aunt openly commented on the smudged dark eyeshadow under my eyes last time she visited.
....
the real kicker? i don't wear makeup 💀
(a moment of silence if you could be so kind 🤧)
i'm fully aware that i'm incriminating myself by posting this review well before the release date after claiming i could last till at least the halfway point of the serialization before succumbing to the ARC’s allure. but let's be real, can you blame me? in Greg i trust - to whet my greed to all-consuming levels so i’m polishing off each and every word with a voracity akin to sticking me in an all-you-can-eat buffet after days without food. add on the tidbits i caught while watching him write the whole book live on Twitch and resistance was ever more futile.
as punishment, Fer is more than welcome to whisper sweet nothings of “scrote-gnawing ass pirate” and "f*cking cumweasel" in my ear as i make the walk of shame through the streets of Wahredua. GA’s books are wondrous beings with lives of their own, and i permit very little to interrupt my journey on the Thuggie train, no matter how bumpy of a ride it turns out to be.
there is so much to unpack with this final The First Quarto installment that i can’t touch on here just yet, but you can imagine how ongoing issues are forcedly brought to the foreground with graduation fast-approaching and other life circumstances a-changin'.
the parallels to Hamlet are enough to wax poetic about in and of themselves, but the age-old question of how to believe in a better future and soldier forward in spite of the oppressive shackles of grief, guilt, fear, self-recrimination - shackles heavy enough to drag us down to the ocean floor - is also grappled with relatable transparency. not everything’s wrapped up in a nice bow, but the ending is adequately satisfying while also leaving room to expand in the future if GA so chooses.
seasoned Ashochists know the drill: at some point, you just have to massage your solar plexus and revel in the pain. take solace in each golden turn of phrase. embrace the splendid tension, powerful juxtaposition, and bold imagery that vaporize any niggles you may have with plot or pacing.
GA’s use of the English language reaches such celestial heights, i can’t help but wonder if it hurts when he cranes his neck to look down upon all us plebeians from his humble, ergonomic throne! all joking aside, this worthy addition offers more insight into Thuggie's origin story that i craved since i first met them in H&S, and i can't wait to see them in action again in the upcoming crossover 😊
***the official release date is October 28th, but you can start reading the serialization via his handy-dandy mailing list (new chapter every day), which you can sign up for here: https://gregoryashe.substack.com/s/a-.... fair warning, expect cliffhangers at every turn, so if you're not one willing to drown in suspense for 24 hours before the next fix, i'd highly recommend waiting for the full release. also, don’t forget to check out the short story we fools of nature beforehand for some adorable Thuggie moments!***
Thank you so much to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.
————
guess what day it is? AFATD RELEASE DAY 🥳🎊🎉 go, my friends - let the binge begin!!!
(btw GA switched mailing list providers so if you didn’t receive yesterday’s update, you can find it here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview.... he also wrote a short story for new subscribers to his mailing list that takes place *before* Hazard returns to Wahredua - if you’re already subscribed, you can download the file in his Facebook group!)
————
thank you to the multi-talented queen Antara for her amazing photoshop skills and making my dreams of GA being the fifth secret member of blackpink come to life 🥺
[4.5] oh my heavens, where do i even begin?
to give some context to my current mental state, i am this close 🤏 to appending “manifesting early retirement” to my name because the stress is eating me aliveeee. even my aunt openly commented on the smudged dark eyeshadow under my eyes last time she visited.
....
the real kicker? i don't wear makeup 💀
(a moment of silence if you could be so kind 🤧)
i'm fully aware that i'm incriminating myself by posting this review well before the release date after claiming i could last till at least the halfway point of the serialization before succumbing to the ARC’s allure. but let's be real, can you blame me? in Greg i trust - to whet my greed to all-consuming levels so i’m polishing off each and every word with a voracity akin to sticking me in an all-you-can-eat buffet after days without food. add on the tidbits i caught while watching him write the whole book live on Twitch and resistance was ever more futile.
as punishment, Fer is more than welcome to whisper sweet nothings of “scrote-gnawing ass pirate” and "f*cking cumweasel" in my ear as i make the walk of shame through the streets of Wahredua. GA’s books are wondrous beings with lives of their own, and i permit very little to interrupt my journey on the Thuggie train, no matter how bumpy of a ride it turns out to be.
there is so much to unpack with this final The First Quarto installment that i can’t touch on here just yet, but you can imagine how ongoing issues are forcedly brought to the foreground with graduation fast-approaching and other life circumstances a-changin'.
the parallels to Hamlet are enough to wax poetic about in and of themselves, but the age-old question of how to believe in a better future and soldier forward in spite of the oppressive shackles of grief, guilt, fear, self-recrimination - shackles heavy enough to drag us down to the ocean floor - is also grappled with relatable transparency. not everything’s wrapped up in a nice bow, but the ending is adequately satisfying while also leaving room to expand in the future if GA so chooses.
seasoned Ashochists know the drill: at some point, you just have to massage your solar plexus and revel in the pain. take solace in each golden turn of phrase. embrace the splendid tension, powerful juxtaposition, and bold imagery that vaporize any niggles you may have with plot or pacing.
GA’s use of the English language reaches such celestial heights, i can’t help but wonder if it hurts when he cranes his neck to look down upon all us plebeians from his humble, ergonomic throne! all joking aside, this worthy addition offers more insight into Thuggie's origin story that i craved since i first met them in H&S, and i can't wait to see them in action again in the upcoming crossover 😊
***the official release date is October 28th, but you can start reading the serialization via his handy-dandy mailing list (new chapter every day), which you can sign up for here: https://gregoryashe.substack.com/s/a-.... fair warning, expect cliffhangers at every turn, so if you're not one willing to drown in suspense for 24 hours before the next fix, i'd highly recommend waiting for the full release. also, don’t forget to check out the short story we fools of nature beforehand for some adorable Thuggie moments!***
Thank you so much to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review.
February 11, 2024
4.5***** stars
Huh. Well look at that. I loved it. And I’m so glad I went for it. I just needed Auggie’s and Theo’s HEA.
The reason this last installment in the series was such a blast for me was that the investigation was once again personal. Everything in this book felt personal again and because they finally had a reason to snoop around, looking for answers, was what had me seriously HOOKED! And what do you know. Cart is back. The cop Theo was dating while he and Auggie were on hiatus who just vanished for a year is back. And he needs their help. Because he’s sitting in jail, accused of murdering another cop.
It really was a good one.
What is still astounding in this series is the sheer amount of these two ending up in fights, getting banged up, attacked and injured. One might assume they’d try to stay out of trouble but hell they really were asking for it a lot of the time. *lol
And they broke up. Like three times over the cause of their relationship since it started. Man, all the heartbreak. Still, they’ve come far and further more they seem to fit so well together I’m contemplating looking into GA’s other series for their cameo just to watch them a tad longer.
What also baffled me with these two was the amount of shit, name-calling and insults they put up with with Cart (Theo’s ex) and Fer (Auggie’s big brother). Hell, sometimes I even thought these two aren’t even able to speak in a normal, respectful manner. *lol
God, Fer. *lmaooo
Still, his genuine love for and dedication to his brothers’ (both of them) well-being was impressive. But his near mental break-down, his crumpling under the weight of feeling responsible for them and all his sacrifices broke my heart. I hope that there is evidence somewhere in GA’s other books, that Fer is okay.
**************
The First Quarto Series:
Book 1 - They Told Me I Was Everything - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Yet a Stranger - read, no rating
Book 3 - The Fairest Show - read, no rating
Book 4 - A Fault Against the Dead - 4.5 stars
Short Story Collection - Thuggiana - read
Huh. Well look at that. I loved it. And I’m so glad I went for it. I just needed Auggie’s and Theo’s HEA.
The reason this last installment in the series was such a blast for me was that the investigation was once again personal. Everything in this book felt personal again and because they finally had a reason to snoop around, looking for answers, was what had me seriously HOOKED! And what do you know. Cart is back. The cop Theo was dating while he and Auggie were on hiatus who just vanished for a year is back. And he needs their help. Because he’s sitting in jail, accused of murdering another cop.
It really was a good one.
What is still astounding in this series is the sheer amount of these two ending up in fights, getting banged up, attacked and injured. One might assume they’d try to stay out of trouble but hell they really were asking for it a lot of the time. *lol
And they broke up. Like three times over the cause of their relationship since it started. Man, all the heartbreak. Still, they’ve come far and further more they seem to fit so well together I’m contemplating looking into GA’s other series for their cameo just to watch them a tad longer.
What also baffled me with these two was the amount of shit, name-calling and insults they put up with with Cart (Theo’s ex) and Fer (Auggie’s big brother). Hell, sometimes I even thought these two aren’t even able to speak in a normal, respectful manner. *lol
“He’s a great guy, Fer. You’ll like him if you give him a chance.” “Jesus God, Augustus, how fucking stupid are you? I don’t care if he’s Rocko fucking Steele; he’s your boyfriend, and he’s not good enough for you, so I’m going to hate his guts until you dump his ass or he dies of old age while you two are banging one out.” Auggie let the moment widen. Then he said, “You think he’s not good enough for me?” Fer snorted. “Of course he’s not. You might not be anything more than a human-sized foreskin, but you’re still my brother.”
God, Fer. *lmaooo
Still, his genuine love for and dedication to his brothers’ (both of them) well-being was impressive. But his near mental break-down, his crumpling under the weight of feeling responsible for them and all his sacrifices broke my heart. I hope that there is evidence somewhere in GA’s other books, that Fer is okay.
**************
The First Quarto Series:
Book 1 - They Told Me I Was Everything - 4.75 stars
Book 2 - Yet a Stranger - read, no rating
Book 3 - The Fairest Show - read, no rating
Book 4 - A Fault Against the Dead - 4.5 stars
Short Story Collection - Thuggiana - read
January 20, 2025
4.0 ⭐️
May 2, 2025
Good lord this put me through the wringer!!!!
I liked seeing Auggie finally grow up a little, for the first time in the series I was thinking of him as an adult and not a petulant teenager. The way he lays out his wants, his expectations and his feelings and tells Theo what is and isn't negotiable... 😍😍 This is definitely the book that cemented Auggie as a favourite in the Hazardverse for me.
Theo, on the other hand, I wanted to scream at 😂 I do enjoy that his flaws don't just magically disappear because of love, but come on dude!! He's still going round and round in the same circles and it was painful. When he finally pulled his head out of his arse I was so relieved because these two are so good together. I don't like that the whole 'rattle rattle' wasn't resolved though, but I guess that's in keeping with the whole message that once an addict, always an addict.
Fer was hilarious as usual and I can't wait to get to his book. I even, grudgingly, liked Cart in this book. I kinda actually hope we get to see more of him in future... I do wish we'd gotten to see more of them with Lana though, because it was such a prominent part of the book and then it's the end.
I'm also so happy that I already know the fate of Lender, as well as the mayor and the sheriff though.
John-Henry beginning his demise was also sad to see, but again, it doesn't feel right to have him there without Emery.
I liked seeing Auggie finally grow up a little, for the first time in the series I was thinking of him as an adult and not a petulant teenager. The way he lays out his wants, his expectations and his feelings and tells Theo what is and isn't negotiable... 😍😍 This is definitely the book that cemented Auggie as a favourite in the Hazardverse for me.
Theo, on the other hand, I wanted to scream at 😂 I do enjoy that his flaws don't just magically disappear because of love, but come on dude!! He's still going round and round in the same circles and it was painful. When he finally pulled his head out of his arse I was so relieved because these two are so good together. I don't like that the whole 'rattle rattle' wasn't resolved though, but I guess that's in keeping with the whole message that once an addict, always an addict.
Fer was hilarious as usual and I can't wait to get to his book. I even, grudgingly, liked Cart in this book. I kinda actually hope we get to see more of him in future... I do wish we'd gotten to see more of them with Lana though, because it was such a prominent part of the book and then it's the end.
I'm also so happy that I already know the fate of Lender, as well as the mayor and the sheriff though.
John-Henry beginning his demise was also sad to see, but again, it doesn't feel right to have him there without Emery.
November 6, 2022
This is an excellent wrap-up for this arc of Theo and Auggie's story. It isn't a spoiler to say that their relationship journey has been a squiggle, and it continues to be so. Gregory Ashe put his pen on the paper and scribbled until the page ripped. Yes, the page is my heart. The tape is mostly holding it together.
The suspicious goings on in town continue. This series has a lot more off-page action than the other series in the Hazardverse. As always, we get some answers but we're left with a few questions - this is my favorite thing about these books. The characters can't know everything, so neither can I. We learn enough to be satisfied. Mostly.
I think fans of the series will be surprised by a couple of the plotting choices, and hopefully will be pleased. I'll try to remember to come back post-release and comment but for now, no spoilers. Many thanks to the author for the ARC.
The suspicious goings on in town continue. This series has a lot more off-page action than the other series in the Hazardverse. As always, we get some answers but we're left with a few questions - this is my favorite thing about these books. The characters can't know everything, so neither can I. We learn enough to be satisfied. Mostly.
I think fans of the series will be surprised by a couple of the plotting choices, and hopefully will be pleased. I'll try to remember to come back post-release and comment but for now, no spoilers. Many thanks to the author for the ARC.
November 1, 2022
This book was everything I'd hoped for, with bells on. I truly adore Ashe's writing.
October 31, 2022
This book. This book!!!! I'm going to need to install a defibrillator in my house if I plan to keep reading books by this author. If he's not scaring the bejeezus out of me by putting his characters in harms way, he's causing me emotional distress by making them painfully human. Not for the first time, Theo had my slapping hand full engaged and ready to go. He had me at Hazard levels of exasperation in this book multiple times, yet, like with Hazard, I was still rooting for him. When things were good between him and Auggie, it was easy to forget all of the trauma he had experienced and the residual effects he still dealt with on a daily basis. As Auggie was tightening his grip on their relationship and trying to plan for their future, Theo was swimming against a current and covering no ground. As usual, it was all written with thought provoking clarity. Gregory Ashe thrives in the gray areas of storytelling and character development. Yes, there are bad characters who do bad things and are not redeemable by any stretch of the imagination. But the good characters aren't perfect either and that's what makes them feel real and why it's so easy for them to break your heart.
I loved that the relationship development held precedence over the mystery in this one, especially since it's the last full length novel of the series. I also loved the way the mystery set the stage for the first Hazard and Somerset arc if you haven't read it yet and gave a better understanding of those events if you have. I'm kind of jealous of people who will get the chance to read these books in order, since it all connects so well. If I were a patient person that could have been me, but nope.
The sheer amount of Fer in this book made my entire weekend. That man has no control over the words that leave his mouth and even less control over his emotions. He needs to have a cardiologist on speed dial because his stress levels cannot be healthy. He loves with every ounce of his body and soul and I want nothing more than for him to find someone willing to give that love back to him. He has more than earned it.
And, um, Cart. I was really hard on him in previous reviews. It's no secret that we have a strained relationship and I would be lying if I said I was happy to see him in the blurb for this book, but maybe he's kind of okay now. Sort of. A little bit. Whatever. We'll never be friends.
I'm counting down the days until Thuggiana and then it's back to H&S because I need more! I also need to be completely dialed in before this rumored Hazardverse Assemble series comes into existence. It's good to have goals.
I loved that the relationship development held precedence over the mystery in this one, especially since it's the last full length novel of the series. I also loved the way the mystery set the stage for the first Hazard and Somerset arc if you haven't read it yet and gave a better understanding of those events if you have. I'm kind of jealous of people who will get the chance to read these books in order, since it all connects so well. If I were a patient person that could have been me, but nope.
The sheer amount of Fer in this book made my entire weekend. That man has no control over the words that leave his mouth and even less control over his emotions. He needs to have a cardiologist on speed dial because his stress levels cannot be healthy. He loves with every ounce of his body and soul and I want nothing more than for him to find someone willing to give that love back to him. He has more than earned it.
And, um, Cart. I was really hard on him in previous reviews. It's no secret that we have a strained relationship and I would be lying if I said I was happy to see him in the blurb for this book, but maybe he's kind of okay now. Sort of. A little bit. Whatever. We'll never be friends.
I'm counting down the days until Thuggiana and then it's back to H&S because I need more! I also need to be completely dialed in before this rumored Hazardverse Assemble series comes into existence. It's good to have goals.
February 13, 2025
5⭐️ Wow. This may be my favorite book of the series. The relationship development was so good and so sad and so intense. I love how GA writes his characters as real, relatable people with flaws, and how he shows that growth is not a straight line and that life is full of ups and downs, gains and losses. The deep-dive into addiction especially got to me.
I cried multiple times. Especially for Theo and for Fer, they’re so alike in many ways with their family struggles. Every family member is a complete asshole except Fer. Thank god for Fer. I can’t wait to read his book.
I even felt for Cart. Yeah, I still don’t forgive the fucker for what he did in book 2, but I’m really glad he came back.
THUGGIANA forever. ♾️❤️
I cried multiple times. Especially for Theo and for Fer, they’re so alike in many ways with their family struggles. Every family member is a complete asshole except Fer. Thank god for Fer. I can’t wait to read his book.
I even felt for Cart. Yeah, I still don’t forgive the fucker for what he did in book 2, but I’m really glad he came back.
THUGGIANA forever. ♾️❤️
October 30, 2022
Sorry, guys. I’d had this grand plan of writing a proper review for this series once I finish book 4, but now that I’m done, I find that I don’t really have anything constructive to say, other than: Gregory Ashe cracked the code.
There are books out there that are gripping, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, but suffer from a lack of credible, three-dimensional characters; there are amazingly introspective, character-oriented stories that lose points because of poor pacing or draggy plot lines.
But what do you say about a book — series — that has none of these weaknesses? That’s so well-rounded that as you read it, even if you don’t like certain developments, you find yourself marvelling at the author’s imagination and skill every couple of minutes? That sucks you in so thoroughly that you literally can’t put it down, and it’s only when your back’s starting to hurt and your bladder is screaming bloody murder that you realize you haven’t moved from your more or less comfortable slouch for hours?
Genius.
I really, really want to binge the H&S series now, but as there’s a finite number of GA’s books that I haven’t read yet, I think a break is in order.
There are books out there that are gripping, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, but suffer from a lack of credible, three-dimensional characters; there are amazingly introspective, character-oriented stories that lose points because of poor pacing or draggy plot lines.
But what do you say about a book — series — that has none of these weaknesses? That’s so well-rounded that as you read it, even if you don’t like certain developments, you find yourself marvelling at the author’s imagination and skill every couple of minutes? That sucks you in so thoroughly that you literally can’t put it down, and it’s only when your back’s starting to hurt and your bladder is screaming bloody murder that you realize you haven’t moved from your more or less comfortable slouch for hours?
Genius.
I really, really want to binge the H&S series now, but as there’s a finite number of GA’s books that I haven’t read yet, I think a break is in order.
September 23, 2023
Hannnn c'était trop bien !!
C'est toujours un bonheur pour moi de me plonger dans une série de Gregory Ashe, en particulier celle-ci où j'ai une profonde affection pour tous les personnages que j'ai pu rencontrer depuis le premier tome. J'ai repoussé tant bien que mal la lecture de ce dernier tome.... Mais la sortie prochaine du tome consacré à ce couple dans le crossover m'a, en quelque sorte, incitée à le lire plus rapidement ^^
Theo et Auggie évoluent doucement et sûrement dans leur petit couple. Un événement va venir chambouler leurs plans, et affecter tout particulièrement Theo... Pour couronner le tout, Cart, inculpé de meurtre, demande de l'aide à son ex pour le sortir du pétrin.
J'ai adoré ce tome, même si certains moments étaient assez durs. J'aime la maturité dont fait preuve Auggie, encore et toujours, même s'il ne remue pas toujours sa langue avant de parler, c'est toujours de bonnes intentions. Mon petit Auggie aime plus que tout son Theo...
Theo, j'ai envie de le prendre dans mes bras plus d'une fois, a des mots assez difficiles envers Auggie, mais en même temps, je le comprenais... C'est un couple absolument adorable que j'aime d'amour en fait. Nous avons droit à de jolies déclarations ici aussi, ahlala je fondais complètement...
Parmi les personnages secondaires, les frères d'Auggie sont présents auprès de ce dernier, toujours prêts à le taquiner, pour son plus grand bien. J'ai tellement aimé les conversations entre Fer, Chuy et Auggie, ça faisait vraiment plaisir à voir, surtout Chuy ! D'ailleurs, ce dernier amène de belles discussions sur d'autres sujets plus sombres que sont les addictions. J'aimerais tellement un spin off sur Fer !
Le petit caméo de John n'était pas pour me déplaire loin de là héhé ^^
L'intrigue était franchement top et m'a tenue en haleine tout le long ! Ah et puis ce flic pourri jusqu'à la moelle qu'est Lender est toujours aussi détestable, et va encore jouer de sales tours à notre couple.
Ce roman nous permet de terminer sur une magnifique note en ce qui concerne Auggie et Theo... Ils auront à traverser encore de bien des épreuves, mais la solidité de leur couple n'est plus à démontrer, leurs bases sont plus que solides pour aborder l'avenir plus sereinement. Quel chemin parcouru depuis le début !
Je recroiserai les personnages dans la série crossover, mais "A Fault Against the Dead" clôture leur saga, normalement (car rien n'est sûr avec Gregory Ashe ^^)... Difficile de dire au revoir à mes loulous d'amour...
C'est toujours un bonheur pour moi de me plonger dans une série de Gregory Ashe, en particulier celle-ci où j'ai une profonde affection pour tous les personnages que j'ai pu rencontrer depuis le premier tome. J'ai repoussé tant bien que mal la lecture de ce dernier tome.... Mais la sortie prochaine du tome consacré à ce couple dans le crossover m'a, en quelque sorte, incitée à le lire plus rapidement ^^
Theo et Auggie évoluent doucement et sûrement dans leur petit couple. Un événement va venir chambouler leurs plans, et affecter tout particulièrement Theo... Pour couronner le tout, Cart, inculpé de meurtre, demande de l'aide à son ex pour le sortir du pétrin.
J'ai adoré ce tome, même si certains moments étaient assez durs. J'aime la maturité dont fait preuve Auggie, encore et toujours, même s'il ne remue pas toujours sa langue avant de parler, c'est toujours de bonnes intentions. Mon petit Auggie aime plus que tout son Theo...
Theo, j'ai envie de le prendre dans mes bras plus d'une fois, a des mots assez difficiles envers Auggie, mais en même temps, je le comprenais... C'est un couple absolument adorable que j'aime d'amour en fait. Nous avons droit à de jolies déclarations ici aussi, ahlala je fondais complètement...
Parmi les personnages secondaires, les frères d'Auggie sont présents auprès de ce dernier, toujours prêts à le taquiner, pour son plus grand bien. J'ai tellement aimé les conversations entre Fer, Chuy et Auggie, ça faisait vraiment plaisir à voir, surtout Chuy ! D'ailleurs, ce dernier amène de belles discussions sur d'autres sujets plus sombres que sont les addictions. J'aimerais tellement un spin off sur Fer !
Le petit caméo de John n'était pas pour me déplaire loin de là héhé ^^
L'intrigue était franchement top et m'a tenue en haleine tout le long ! Ah et puis ce flic pourri jusqu'à la moelle qu'est Lender est toujours aussi détestable, et va encore jouer de sales tours à notre couple.
Ce roman nous permet de terminer sur une magnifique note en ce qui concerne Auggie et Theo... Ils auront à traverser encore de bien des épreuves, mais la solidité de leur couple n'est plus à démontrer, leurs bases sont plus que solides pour aborder l'avenir plus sereinement. Quel chemin parcouru depuis le début !
Je recroiserai les personnages dans la série crossover, mais "A Fault Against the Dead" clôture leur saga, normalement (car rien n'est sûr avec Gregory Ashe ^^)... Difficile de dire au revoir à mes loulous d'amour...
October 31, 2022
Good grief… the angst with these two. How much shit do they take !! I feel for Theo - steadfast, broken yet resilient and Auggie - blind to the dangers at times, rushing headlong into his future. Amazing characters, fabulous series.
November 16, 2022
Auggie and Theo forever. <3 <3
I would love a book about Fer's life and bi-awakening.
I would love a book about Fer's life and bi-awakening.
March 1, 2024
Incredible end
to impossible love. We
need justice for Fer.
to impossible love. We
need justice for Fer.
October 28, 2022
It’s Auggie’s final year and Theo’s last year as a grad student at Wroxall College in this final instalment in Gregory Ashe’s
The First Quarto
series. But of course, there’s no way it’s going to be an easy year for our favourite trouble-magnets. Not only are they once again up to their necks in a complicated and extremely dangerous murder investigation, but their romantic relationship is still undergoing teething problems and is confronted with what is possibly its toughest challenge yet – and no, I’m not talking about the scale of Auggie’s Doritos habit.
As A Fault Against the Dead is book four in a series, it won’t make much sense if you aren’t familiar with what’s gone before; the mysteries in each book are self-contained, but the central relationship is ongoing and there are a number of recurring characters and references to previous situations, so it’s best to go back to the beginning and start with They Told Me I Was Everything. Gregory Ashe’s incredible ability to tell a story, the tight, complex plots and damaged but intensely loveable main characters will make it worth your while.
The mystery plot here kicks off when Auggie unexpectedly gets a phone call from Howard Cartwright, Theo’s late husband’s partner on the job and Theo’s former fuckbuddy, who tells Auggie he’s been arrested for the murder of a local parole officer. Their visit to Cart in jail is awkward to say the least, but boils down to the fact that someone has framed Cart for murder – and he needs Theo and Auggie to find out who and why.
As if that wasn’t enough, their old nemesis, Detective Albert Lender, doesn’t waste any time in catching up with them after they’ve been to see Cart. To their surprise, he actually seems to want them to investigate further – although of course, it doesn’t take long for it to become apparent that there’s something in it for him, namely, a large sum of cash which has gone missing. He wants Theo and Auggie to find it.
The devious mind of Gregory Ashe has come up with a real doozy here as Theo and Auggie are plunged into the murky world of the local drug trade while the complicated web of lies, blackmail and murder becomes even more tangled and the threats to life and limb pile up. Not only is Lender breathing down their necks, they’ve got to contend with angry, violent drug dealers, a dodgy sherrif and someone who seems to have more clout and more at stake than even Lender does – who is trying to force them to stop their investigation
All that would be more than enough for any couple to handle, but Theo and Auggie are still dealing with some intensely personal issues that mean they’re really not singing from the same hymn sheet as far as their relationship is concerned. They’ve both been through such a lot in their young lives, and Theo’s largely untreated trauma, specifically, is continuing to throw up barriers between them. The conflict here is signalled early on when Auggie makes an offhand comment about where they’ll be this time next year, and Theo subtly freezes. In the previous book (The Fairest Show) the conflict was mainly about the way Theo’s desperate need to keep Auggie safe was causing him to disregard Auggie’s feelings and wishes, and how Theo needed to recognise that Auggie is an adult and to start treating him as one. Theo seems to have been working on that, but the other – much bigger – issue that has always been lurking in the background, and which led to some of the poor life choices Theo has made (his drinking, his addiction to pain medication among others) finally blows up in their faces – namely his belief that, at thirty-two, he’s washed up. (In fact, he’s believed that all the way through the series.) He’s been struggling financially since his husband Ian died, he’s burdened with terrible guilt over the accident that killed Ian and left their daughter, Lana, disabled – he’s carrying guilt over the death, years before, of his brother Luke from an overdose, he’s estranged from his very conservative family because he’s gay… and then into his life comes Auggie, beautiful, charming, funny, clever (young) Auggie, so full of life and the one bright thing in Theo’s life, and all Theo has ever really done is get Auggie hurt and drag him down. (As Theo sees it.) I’m indebted to a poster over at the author’s Facebook group for their insight into Theo’s responses to trauma – of which he’s suffered great deal in a fairly short time – which helped me to a clearer understanding than I had of why Theo thinks and acts as he does, why he is so convinced he’s doing the right thing by trying to wrap Auggie up in cotton wool, or continually avoiding any discussion of their future together. He’s lost (or been rejected by) everyone he’s ever loved, and contemplating a future or happiness (or a happy future) is incredibly difficult for him because hurt and pain has been the default for so very long.
Auggie is coming at the relationship from completely the opposite direction. His own upbringing is driving him to want stability and commitment – although he doesn’t quite realise how those two situations are linked yet. The youngest of three brothers, all with different dads, and with a mother who is so self-centred that she doesn’t really care about any of them, he’s really been brought up by his oldest brother, Fer, who is Theo’s age, and who, despite his constant stream of funny and inventive insults, clearly adores Auggie and would do anything for him. The age gap and parental role, however, mean that Fer is just as guilty, in his own way, as Theo is of shielding Auggie, and that he, also like Theo, has tried to keep certain things and realities from Auggie in order to protect him. The instability of Auggie’s home life (which we saw some of in The Fairest Show) and dysfuctionality of his family is clearly driving his need to make plans, when Theo’s life is – and can only be – about the now. With two such diametrically opposed positions, it’s really hard to see how they are ever going to be able to reconcile them, and it’s heartbreaking to watch as the gulf between them grows, as Auggie’s frustration with his boyfriend’s attitude starts turning into resentment and Theo’s walls get thicker and higher.
Gregory Ashe is a master of writing characters you can easily fall in love with while at the same time wanting to defenestrate them, and also of being able to combine a complex plot composed of lots of moving parts with some really profound character and relationship development. He reveals so much about who these men are and where they’re coming from, often in just a short speech or moment of description, and despite the heavy subject matter, there’s still room for humour and good-natured banter, a bit of steam and moments of amazing tenderness and understanding.
A lot of that humour comes from Auggie’s interactions with Fer – who is one of those characters who has taken on a life of his own and become a firm reader favourite (many of us are really hoping Mr. Ashe can find a story for him!) – and I loved seeing a clean Chuy (the middle brother) and Auggie having a genuine, affectionate and adult conversation. It was bittersweet, though, to see the brother Chuy could have been (to both Fer and Auggie), and their big scene together is key to giving Auggie some real insight into Theo’s mindset as an addict and how that might be affecting his attitude towards the future.
Although we’re saying goodbye to Theo and Auggie – for now (they’ll be back in the planned Asheverse crossover, tentativelty titled Iron on Iron ) – we leave them in a much better place, with a better understanding of each other, and an incredibly sweet demonstration on Theo’s part of his commitment to Auggie and to doing the work he needs to do on himself so that they can move forward together. Having seen them five years on in the most recent Hazard and Somerset series, he’s certainly made progress. (And speaking of H&S, Somers’ cameos in this book show we’re almost caught up with Pretty Pretty Boysin the Wahredua timeline.)
A Fault Against the Dead brings The First Quarto series to a satisfying close by way of a tense, nail-biting climax which will have readers on the edge of their seats (or reading through their fingers!) and then follows it up with a beautifully understated and hopeful HEA. Theo and Auggie have become two of my favourite Asheverse characters, so while I’m sorry to see them metaphorically riding off into the sunset into a much quieter life, I’m delighted they’ve been given the happy ending they deserve.
(Small side note: I'm probably in the minority, but I'm not a fan of the new covers for the series; the type is incredibly hard to read against the dark background, and is practically invisible in thumbnails. )
As A Fault Against the Dead is book four in a series, it won’t make much sense if you aren’t familiar with what’s gone before; the mysteries in each book are self-contained, but the central relationship is ongoing and there are a number of recurring characters and references to previous situations, so it’s best to go back to the beginning and start with They Told Me I Was Everything. Gregory Ashe’s incredible ability to tell a story, the tight, complex plots and damaged but intensely loveable main characters will make it worth your while.
The mystery plot here kicks off when Auggie unexpectedly gets a phone call from Howard Cartwright, Theo’s late husband’s partner on the job and Theo’s former fuckbuddy, who tells Auggie he’s been arrested for the murder of a local parole officer. Their visit to Cart in jail is awkward to say the least, but boils down to the fact that someone has framed Cart for murder – and he needs Theo and Auggie to find out who and why.
As if that wasn’t enough, their old nemesis, Detective Albert Lender, doesn’t waste any time in catching up with them after they’ve been to see Cart. To their surprise, he actually seems to want them to investigate further – although of course, it doesn’t take long for it to become apparent that there’s something in it for him, namely, a large sum of cash which has gone missing. He wants Theo and Auggie to find it.
The devious mind of Gregory Ashe has come up with a real doozy here as Theo and Auggie are plunged into the murky world of the local drug trade while the complicated web of lies, blackmail and murder becomes even more tangled and the threats to life and limb pile up. Not only is Lender breathing down their necks, they’ve got to contend with angry, violent drug dealers, a dodgy sherrif and someone who seems to have more clout and more at stake than even Lender does – who is trying to force them to stop their investigation
All that would be more than enough for any couple to handle, but Theo and Auggie are still dealing with some intensely personal issues that mean they’re really not singing from the same hymn sheet as far as their relationship is concerned. They’ve both been through such a lot in their young lives, and Theo’s largely untreated trauma, specifically, is continuing to throw up barriers between them. The conflict here is signalled early on when Auggie makes an offhand comment about where they’ll be this time next year, and Theo subtly freezes. In the previous book (The Fairest Show) the conflict was mainly about the way Theo’s desperate need to keep Auggie safe was causing him to disregard Auggie’s feelings and wishes, and how Theo needed to recognise that Auggie is an adult and to start treating him as one. Theo seems to have been working on that, but the other – much bigger – issue that has always been lurking in the background, and which led to some of the poor life choices Theo has made (his drinking, his addiction to pain medication among others) finally blows up in their faces – namely his belief that, at thirty-two, he’s washed up. (In fact, he’s believed that all the way through the series.) He’s been struggling financially since his husband Ian died, he’s burdened with terrible guilt over the accident that killed Ian and left their daughter, Lana, disabled – he’s carrying guilt over the death, years before, of his brother Luke from an overdose, he’s estranged from his very conservative family because he’s gay… and then into his life comes Auggie, beautiful, charming, funny, clever (young) Auggie, so full of life and the one bright thing in Theo’s life, and all Theo has ever really done is get Auggie hurt and drag him down. (As Theo sees it.) I’m indebted to a poster over at the author’s Facebook group for their insight into Theo’s responses to trauma – of which he’s suffered great deal in a fairly short time – which helped me to a clearer understanding than I had of why Theo thinks and acts as he does, why he is so convinced he’s doing the right thing by trying to wrap Auggie up in cotton wool, or continually avoiding any discussion of their future together. He’s lost (or been rejected by) everyone he’s ever loved, and contemplating a future or happiness (or a happy future) is incredibly difficult for him because hurt and pain has been the default for so very long.
Auggie is coming at the relationship from completely the opposite direction. His own upbringing is driving him to want stability and commitment – although he doesn’t quite realise how those two situations are linked yet. The youngest of three brothers, all with different dads, and with a mother who is so self-centred that she doesn’t really care about any of them, he’s really been brought up by his oldest brother, Fer, who is Theo’s age, and who, despite his constant stream of funny and inventive insults, clearly adores Auggie and would do anything for him. The age gap and parental role, however, mean that Fer is just as guilty, in his own way, as Theo is of shielding Auggie, and that he, also like Theo, has tried to keep certain things and realities from Auggie in order to protect him. The instability of Auggie’s home life (which we saw some of in The Fairest Show) and dysfuctionality of his family is clearly driving his need to make plans, when Theo’s life is – and can only be – about the now. With two such diametrically opposed positions, it’s really hard to see how they are ever going to be able to reconcile them, and it’s heartbreaking to watch as the gulf between them grows, as Auggie’s frustration with his boyfriend’s attitude starts turning into resentment and Theo’s walls get thicker and higher.
Gregory Ashe is a master of writing characters you can easily fall in love with while at the same time wanting to defenestrate them, and also of being able to combine a complex plot composed of lots of moving parts with some really profound character and relationship development. He reveals so much about who these men are and where they’re coming from, often in just a short speech or moment of description, and despite the heavy subject matter, there’s still room for humour and good-natured banter, a bit of steam and moments of amazing tenderness and understanding.
A lot of that humour comes from Auggie’s interactions with Fer – who is one of those characters who has taken on a life of his own and become a firm reader favourite (many of us are really hoping Mr. Ashe can find a story for him!) – and I loved seeing a clean Chuy (the middle brother) and Auggie having a genuine, affectionate and adult conversation. It was bittersweet, though, to see the brother Chuy could have been (to both Fer and Auggie), and their big scene together is key to giving Auggie some real insight into Theo’s mindset as an addict and how that might be affecting his attitude towards the future.
Although we’re saying goodbye to Theo and Auggie – for now (they’ll be back in the planned Asheverse crossover, tentativelty titled Iron on Iron ) – we leave them in a much better place, with a better understanding of each other, and an incredibly sweet demonstration on Theo’s part of his commitment to Auggie and to doing the work he needs to do on himself so that they can move forward together. Having seen them five years on in the most recent Hazard and Somerset series, he’s certainly made progress. (And speaking of H&S, Somers’ cameos in this book show we’re almost caught up with Pretty Pretty Boysin the Wahredua timeline.)
A Fault Against the Dead brings The First Quarto series to a satisfying close by way of a tense, nail-biting climax which will have readers on the edge of their seats (or reading through their fingers!) and then follows it up with a beautifully understated and hopeful HEA. Theo and Auggie have become two of my favourite Asheverse characters, so while I’m sorry to see them metaphorically riding off into the sunset into a much quieter life, I’m delighted they’ve been given the happy ending they deserve.
(Small side note: I'm probably in the minority, but I'm not a fan of the new covers for the series; the type is incredibly hard to read against the dark background, and is practically invisible in thumbnails. )
December 22, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Honestly, I’m surprised they are still alive.
I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped… which leaves me sad 😞 , I hate that I feel like this... Knowing my friend is obsessed with Gregory Ashe, I really wanted to join her in that excitement. Unfortunately, Auggie and Theo only fully worked for me in the last book, about 75%. At this point I believe they could have a life together. Until here we got the most ott life threatening situation I’ve ever seen. The most frustrating Mc I’ve ever read, really! They made the most stupid decision ever, went in a never ending loop of Theo's insecurities and self sabotage, and Auggie's childish and irresponsible decisions. But when they captured my attention I loved them.. I believed in them… I finally saw a fucking light in the end of the motherfucking tunnel!
So here are my thoughts about these guys:
*The amount of physical harm these guys go through… I don’t understand how they don’t have brain damage… the violence wow never read anything like this…
*The Wahredua police are a joke.
*Theo, goddam stupid redneck. But also proud of you ish!?
*Auggie how you growed, but just breathe ok?
*Wise Chuy scared the crap out of me!
*Lender JFC someone put a bullet in him.and if not too much to ask also the M.
*Cart, still don’t like you, but you have some goodish advice. I still don’t like you tho.
*Orlando, use protection.
*Malibu is the most resistant car ever made.
*All the Shakespeare analysis for Theo dissertation we’re complex but so insightful.
*Fer baby… you need to get laid so bad, and maybe tied up to a bed and gagged. Your foul mouth is…. Idk funny? Creepy? Adorable? A mask? I need you to be happy ok? And please let someone take care of you 🙏
*Homophonic families can sit on a cactus.
*And guys, some solid advice… leave this town, not for you! Go be happy anywhere else!
*Lana baby ✨♥️
*Gregory Ashe, try to be nicer.
Other thoughts:
The writing didn’t grip me as much as I’d anticipated. Too much tell and less show… a lot of important aftermaths were told in a resume in the beginning of the next chapter leaving unanswered questions. Same for sweet moments, always off page, it’s like GA doesn’t allow you to see they being happy 😆
Like I said the Wahredua police is a joke, there were so many errors in the investigation, it was ridiculous and honestly the cases left some huge holes, lots of things lost in the summary aftermath or simply left without a plausible explanation.
To wrap up, I truly loved the last 25% of the book. I finally felt like I could leave them alone and they would be ok ish? Even with that rattle rattle 😢
I’m not giving up on the author, though, because this might just be a “me” thing rather than an issue with the books themselves.
To really wrap it up, I’m surprised I’m still alive!
Honestly, I’m surprised they are still alive.
I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped… which leaves me sad 😞 , I hate that I feel like this... Knowing my friend is obsessed with Gregory Ashe, I really wanted to join her in that excitement. Unfortunately, Auggie and Theo only fully worked for me in the last book, about 75%. At this point I believe they could have a life together. Until here we got the most ott life threatening situation I’ve ever seen. The most frustrating Mc I’ve ever read, really! They made the most stupid decision ever, went in a never ending loop of Theo's insecurities and self sabotage, and Auggie's childish and irresponsible decisions. But when they captured my attention I loved them.. I believed in them… I finally saw a fucking light in the end of the motherfucking tunnel!
So here are my thoughts about these guys:
*The amount of physical harm these guys go through… I don’t understand how they don’t have brain damage… the violence wow never read anything like this…
*The Wahredua police are a joke.
*Theo, goddam stupid redneck. But also proud of you ish!?
*Auggie how you growed, but just breathe ok?
*Wise Chuy scared the crap out of me!
*Lender JFC someone put a bullet in him.and if not too much to ask also the M.
*Cart, still don’t like you, but you have some goodish advice. I still don’t like you tho.
*Orlando, use protection.
*Malibu is the most resistant car ever made.
*All the Shakespeare analysis for Theo dissertation we’re complex but so insightful.
*Fer baby… you need to get laid so bad, and maybe tied up to a bed and gagged. Your foul mouth is…. Idk funny? Creepy? Adorable? A mask? I need you to be happy ok? And please let someone take care of you 🙏
*Homophonic families can sit on a cactus.
*And guys, some solid advice… leave this town, not for you! Go be happy anywhere else!
*Lana baby ✨♥️
*Gregory Ashe, try to be nicer.
Other thoughts:
The writing didn’t grip me as much as I’d anticipated. Too much tell and less show… a lot of important aftermaths were told in a resume in the beginning of the next chapter leaving unanswered questions. Same for sweet moments, always off page, it’s like GA doesn’t allow you to see they being happy 😆
Like I said the Wahredua police is a joke, there were so many errors in the investigation, it was ridiculous and honestly the cases left some huge holes, lots of things lost in the summary aftermath or simply left without a plausible explanation.
To wrap up, I truly loved the last 25% of the book. I finally felt like I could leave them alone and they would be ok ish? Even with that rattle rattle 😢
I’m not giving up on the author, though, because this might just be a “me” thing rather than an issue with the books themselves.
To really wrap it up, I’m surprised I’m still alive!
June 15, 2024
this is my type of angst.
March 4, 2024
5 stars more for the series as a whole; this installment is a solid 4, but a bit too all over the place to get top marks.
I splatted many, many, many thoughts on discord while reading this series (thank you, ashe estate buddies, my sanity owes you), so anything in the way of cogent analysis has already fled my brain. Not to mention that -- since I read them in one extended binge -- I can't really distinguish the events of the individual books; they all blend together into one big mass of pining, hurt/ comfort, and head trauma. In lieu of informative reviews, therefore, here are some non-value-adding random thoughts and final observations:
-- Theo and Auggie are my next-faves after Tean and Jem. Don't know why I love them so much, but I do. For all the trauma and pain and brutality of the crimes, the tone between these two is, like with Tean and Jem, ultimately very gentle, generous, and loving. Even when they tease, they do so with so much affection. While Hazard and Somerset and North and Shaw always cut it close to the bone, with these two there is so much liking as well as loving. Which makes the various conflicts and arguments all the more painful, necessary, and effective.
-- Excellent hurt! The comfort could use a bit of work! But they got there in the end.
-- The crime stuff . . . . look, it was all pretty solid (although Auggie's logic for doing what he did with the video way back in book 1 still makes no sense). But honestly, crime-wise, this series is not really a standalone, because the final payoff for the crime stuff/ Big Bads happens off-page in another series. So if you're really invested in getting a resolution for the crime stuff, this will likely be a letdown.
-- Somerset being a pretty but ultimately useless drunk in the background: yeah, that tracks.
-- Ferrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!
-- The specifics of the Lana situation should have been better articulated in book 1. We finally got clarity on (the legalities of) her situation in this book, which explained a lot of what I had been wondering about (like why Theo, seemingly uncharacteristically, kept her in Downing even as her care needs evolved -- which isn't actually what was happening, in terms of who was making the decisions). The Lana arc in this installment was somewhat undercooked, but I'm happy where it ended up, even if the resolution was very hand-wavy and off-page.
-- God, Theo is damaged. Understandably! But also: yikes.
-- But glad to see that both men's issues are being addressed as they work through this installment, including how Auggie brings his own baggage -- from the events of books 2 and 3, but also from his chaotic upbringing -- to the relationship.
-- Cart really went for it! In all the ways! Cart, my dude. Learn to moderate.
-- So! Much! Head Trauma!
All in all -- a strong series, one of my faves in the Hazardverse thus far, that entirely absorbed me thanks to my devotion to these two hurt sad boys and their moving, maybe initially ill-advised, but utterly convincing and lasting connection. Although why they stay in Wafflehouse knowing what they know is beyond me. Run for your lives, boys!!!
I splatted many, many, many thoughts on discord while reading this series (thank you, ashe estate buddies, my sanity owes you), so anything in the way of cogent analysis has already fled my brain. Not to mention that -- since I read them in one extended binge -- I can't really distinguish the events of the individual books; they all blend together into one big mass of pining, hurt/ comfort, and head trauma. In lieu of informative reviews, therefore, here are some non-value-adding random thoughts and final observations:
-- Theo and Auggie are my next-faves after Tean and Jem. Don't know why I love them so much, but I do. For all the trauma and pain and brutality of the crimes, the tone between these two is, like with Tean and Jem, ultimately very gentle, generous, and loving. Even when they tease, they do so with so much affection. While Hazard and Somerset and North and Shaw always cut it close to the bone, with these two there is so much liking as well as loving. Which makes the various conflicts and arguments all the more painful, necessary, and effective.
-- Excellent hurt! The comfort could use a bit of work! But they got there in the end.
-- The crime stuff . . . . look, it was all pretty solid (although Auggie's logic for doing what he did with the video way back in book 1 still makes no sense). But honestly, crime-wise, this series is not really a standalone, because the final payoff for the crime stuff/ Big Bads happens off-page in another series. So if you're really invested in getting a resolution for the crime stuff, this will likely be a letdown.
-- Somerset being a pretty but ultimately useless drunk in the background: yeah, that tracks.
-- Ferrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!
-- The specifics of the Lana situation should have been better articulated in book 1. We finally got clarity on (the legalities of) her situation in this book, which explained a lot of what I had been wondering about (like why Theo, seemingly uncharacteristically, kept her in Downing even as her care needs evolved -- which isn't actually what was happening, in terms of who was making the decisions). The Lana arc in this installment was somewhat undercooked, but I'm happy where it ended up, even if the resolution was very hand-wavy and off-page.
-- God, Theo is damaged. Understandably! But also: yikes.
-- But glad to see that both men's issues are being addressed as they work through this installment, including how Auggie brings his own baggage -- from the events of books 2 and 3, but also from his chaotic upbringing -- to the relationship.
-- Cart really went for it! In all the ways! Cart, my dude. Learn to moderate.
-- So! Much! Head Trauma!
All in all -- a strong series, one of my faves in the Hazardverse thus far, that entirely absorbed me thanks to my devotion to these two hurt sad boys and their moving, maybe initially ill-advised, but utterly convincing and lasting connection. Although why they stay in Wafflehouse knowing what they know is beyond me. Run for your lives, boys!!!
October 8, 2022
There’s not much I can say about this book that I haven’t covered in previous Gregory Ashe reviews.
This is one of the few authors that really continues to deliver each time and the 4th instalment in the First Quarto series is no different.
It follows a similar pattern to the other books in terms of story building - there’s fighting, there’s loving, there’s mystery and there’s always a heavy dose of angst. That’s not to say that the writing has become predictable but more consistent and true to the characters overall portrayals.
Auggie and Theo definitely have a lot of issues to address, as individuals and as a couple and I feel that this book certainly addressed most of the biggest concerns I as readers had for these 2. It’s a satisfying ending to the arc in most ways and again, knowing what we do about these 2 in the Hazard & Somerset stories does give additional hope that they continue to progress in the right direction.
As is the case with most books by this author, there are some aspects that I would prefer resolved in a different manner, such as Theo’s family or even Auggies brothers but ultimately that’s just because of my desire for the MCs to be completely happy. In saying that, I’d probably scoff if everything was tied up in a neat bow, after all, the complexity and rawness of these stories is why I enjoy this author so much, so I am in no way disappointed.
However ;
Do I want Fer to catch a break? Absolutely
Do I want Theo’s family to be more respectful and understanding? Hell yes!
And do I want Lender to fall off the side of a cliff? ..I do, very much!
Would I change anything? No way. This story is perfect as it is and I enjoyed it very minute of it.
I can’t wait to see these guys on page again in the future ♥️
This is one of the few authors that really continues to deliver each time and the 4th instalment in the First Quarto series is no different.
It follows a similar pattern to the other books in terms of story building - there’s fighting, there’s loving, there’s mystery and there’s always a heavy dose of angst. That’s not to say that the writing has become predictable but more consistent and true to the characters overall portrayals.
Auggie and Theo definitely have a lot of issues to address, as individuals and as a couple and I feel that this book certainly addressed most of the biggest concerns I as readers had for these 2. It’s a satisfying ending to the arc in most ways and again, knowing what we do about these 2 in the Hazard & Somerset stories does give additional hope that they continue to progress in the right direction.
As is the case with most books by this author, there are some aspects that I would prefer resolved in a different manner, such as Theo’s family or even Auggies brothers but ultimately that’s just because of my desire for the MCs to be completely happy. In saying that, I’d probably scoff if everything was tied up in a neat bow, after all, the complexity and rawness of these stories is why I enjoy this author so much, so I am in no way disappointed.
However ;
Do I want Fer to catch a break? Absolutely
Do I want Theo’s family to be more respectful and understanding? Hell yes!
And do I want Lender to fall off the side of a cliff? ..I do, very much!
Would I change anything? No way. This story is perfect as it is and I enjoyed it very minute of it.
I can’t wait to see these guys on page again in the future ♥️
January 7, 2024
I love this author & the world, but
OH MY GOSH FINALLY.
This is not my favorite series. While pain and trauma are always very central in his novels, these felt somehow tougher to read, and the characters felt both unbelievably resilient and oddly less resilient than they would need to be to have a life. I don't know.
And most of the time, I just didn't get it. They are so stuck, but in a lot of ways it didn't make sense.
Absolutely still wonderfully addictive and entertaining--but generally my least favorite set from this author, and my least favorite couple.
OH MY GOSH FINALLY.
This is not my favorite series. While pain and trauma are always very central in his novels, these felt somehow tougher to read, and the characters felt both unbelievably resilient and oddly less resilient than they would need to be to have a life. I don't know.
And most of the time, I just didn't get it. They are so stuck, but in a lot of ways it didn't make sense.
Absolutely still wonderfully addictive and entertaining--but generally my least favorite set from this author, and my least favorite couple.
November 14, 2022
I don't know, sometimes I think Gregory Ashe is an evil genius (sometimes I think he's just a genius).
This is the book in which Theo finally, finally confronts his grief and guilt about Ian's death and Lana's injuries. (Nice job with the titling, by the way, as explained late in the book.) Is there another romance writer who puts their characters through as much as GA does? He seems to be lightening up on the concussions, thankfully, but damn, Theo did not need to experience a near-fatal murder attempt via car accident. Or maybe he did. Far be it from me to argue with Greg Ashe's narrative choices, not when he has this much of a grip on me.
Speaking of narrative choices: I'm calling that a spoiler even though it's in some ways entirely predictable, because I saw it coming and was blindsided anyway.
As with all GA's books, the First Quarto series takes place in a heightened reality -- the banter is funnier, the sex is better (except, of course, when it's ruined by trauma: goddamn Dylan), the violence is more violent, etc. Somehow the whole package stays grounded and I think that's because so few troubles are ever entirely resolved. Jem ends the Lamb and Lion series able to read but still making his living as a con man. Somerset becomes chief of police only to find himself dealing with a formerly good cop who's gone down the MAGA rabbit hole. Theo's daughter Lana is never going to be magically restored to her pre-TBI self, and of course .
I was very happy to learn from the last story in Thuggiana that we can expect more Auggie and Theo to come down the pike. I also wonder how much time Greg Ashe spends twirling his mustachios and cackling.
This is the book in which Theo finally, finally confronts his grief and guilt about Ian's death and Lana's injuries. (Nice job with the titling, by the way, as explained late in the book.) Is there another romance writer who puts their characters through as much as GA does? He seems to be lightening up on the concussions, thankfully, but damn, Theo did not need to experience a near-fatal murder attempt via car accident. Or maybe he did. Far be it from me to argue with Greg Ashe's narrative choices, not when he has this much of a grip on me.
Speaking of narrative choices: I'm calling that a spoiler even though it's in some ways entirely predictable, because I saw it coming and was blindsided anyway.
As with all GA's books, the First Quarto series takes place in a heightened reality -- the banter is funnier, the sex is better (except, of course, when it's ruined by trauma: goddamn Dylan), the violence is more violent, etc. Somehow the whole package stays grounded and I think that's because so few troubles are ever entirely resolved. Jem ends the Lamb and Lion series able to read but still making his living as a con man. Somerset becomes chief of police only to find himself dealing with a formerly good cop who's gone down the MAGA rabbit hole. Theo's daughter Lana is never going to be magically restored to her pre-TBI self, and of course .
I was very happy to learn from the last story in Thuggiana that we can expect more Auggie and Theo to come down the pike. I also wonder how much time Greg Ashe spends twirling his mustachios and cackling.
October 16, 2022
I wanted to do this book justice and write a beautiful mature review but I'm just unable to do it. It's been more than 12 hours since I finished it and I'm still freaking out about how good it was. It was such a ride and the most perfect ending to what has become one of my favourite GA series.
I could try and be rational and list all the reasons why this is a fantastic book. If you've read Greg's books before, you'll recognise them : flawed MCs who you'd gladly die for, a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat and obviously the writing, so heartbreakingly beautiful that a line about the light on a perfect morning will make you burst into tears.
I could be rational but my heart is too full and I have to let it do the talking. I'm still on such a high after reading this book.This is the last book of a beloved series, Auggie and Theo rank among my favourite characters, expectations are high and wouldn't you know it, Greg managed to deliver above and beyond what I could have hoped for (again, always).
I swear I went through all emotions in the space of a few hours. In typical GA fashion the book made my laugh and cry in the same paragraph, tension got me holding my breath for chapters at a time and the character/relationship growth was undiluted pure satisfaction.
I couldn't have dreamed of a better ending for this series. Just reflecting on the path these two have been on gets me really emotional and I'm glad I'll get to see them interact with the rest of the gang in the upcoming crossover series.
Thanks to Greg for providing me with an ARC, effectively saving my life (saving me from the serialisation, same difference)
I could try and be rational and list all the reasons why this is a fantastic book. If you've read Greg's books before, you'll recognise them : flawed MCs who you'd gladly die for, a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat and obviously the writing, so heartbreakingly beautiful that a line about the light on a perfect morning will make you burst into tears.
I could be rational but my heart is too full and I have to let it do the talking. I'm still on such a high after reading this book.This is the last book of a beloved series, Auggie and Theo rank among my favourite characters, expectations are high and wouldn't you know it, Greg managed to deliver above and beyond what I could have hoped for (again, always).
I swear I went through all emotions in the space of a few hours. In typical GA fashion the book made my laugh and cry in the same paragraph, tension got me holding my breath for chapters at a time and the character/relationship growth was undiluted pure satisfaction.
I couldn't have dreamed of a better ending for this series. Just reflecting on the path these two have been on gets me really emotional and I'm glad I'll get to see them interact with the rest of the gang in the upcoming crossover series.
Thanks to Greg for providing me with an ARC, effectively saving my life (saving me from the serialisation, same difference)
November 2, 2022
Brutal yet very satisfying conclusion
Since I’ve read all of the books in the Hazard and Somerset series, I’m aware how the Auggie and Theo saga ends. Thank god because otherwise this book would have been traumatic.
Theo is a depressed d*ck and he should treat Auggie better. There I said it. Auggie may be young but he knows his own mind and he has goals for himself. He’s very mature, more mature than Theo most days tbh. The back and forth got to be tiresome AND in the middle of it all that are a few murders they are trying to solve to clear Cart’s( yes, he’s back) name.
They do solve the crimes and like always, they almost get killed in the process. Thankfully, they had leverage in more ways than one. Brutal.
The HEA is within reach for these two now. They have been through a lot. I hope we get another book.
Since I’ve read all of the books in the Hazard and Somerset series, I’m aware how the Auggie and Theo saga ends. Thank god because otherwise this book would have been traumatic.
Theo is a depressed d*ck and he should treat Auggie better. There I said it. Auggie may be young but he knows his own mind and he has goals for himself. He’s very mature, more mature than Theo most days tbh. The back and forth got to be tiresome AND in the middle of it all that are a few murders they are trying to solve to clear Cart’s( yes, he’s back) name.
They do solve the crimes and like always, they almost get killed in the process. Thankfully, they had leverage in more ways than one. Brutal.
The HEA is within reach for these two now. They have been through a lot. I hope we get another book.
April 19, 2023
This was the best 'read' in Auggie and Theo's series for me. And even though some of Theo's past demons and Auggie's impulsivity throws their relationship into a deep dive (yet again) - they've managed to find better footing with one another to overcome such hurdles. I appreciate seeing them having to cope (or not cope) with family-of-origin dramas and prejudices . It helped knowing ahead in time (from H&S third series) where these two would end up when our duo struggled with the uncertainties for what the next stage of 'life together' would look like. And having read all the H&S books, the unsatisfactory outcomes with regards to the 'bad guys' of this book can be begrudgingly accepted.
March 26, 2023
I loved this! After not being quite in love with the last book I am so excited that this one blew that one out of the water! What I loved the most wasn’t the murder/mystery, no!!! It was the relationship between Theo and Auggie. I ate that up and I decided I can read a romance from Gregory Ashe with no mystery. The mystery actually was a subplot for me here.
I hope we get another story arc for these two, they work so well together and after thinking Auggie was annoying in the first book I’ve come to love him. He’s grown up so much. He takes care of Theo and it’s so sweet. Theo has definitely grown too and his story breaks my heart.
I’d love a book about Fer. He’s fascinating to me. There has to be a story there. He has so many layers and I think he needs to shine in the spotlight. He’s be the perfect character for Ashe with his messed up circumstances and heart of gold that he hides behind a bad attitude and crass language.
I’m very happy I decided to read this immediately after finishing the previous book. I was going to wait but I realized I couldn’t. Whatever Ashe has planned for any of the Wahredua guys I am looking forward to!
I hope we get another story arc for these two, they work so well together and after thinking Auggie was annoying in the first book I’ve come to love him. He’s grown up so much. He takes care of Theo and it’s so sweet. Theo has definitely grown too and his story breaks my heart.
I’d love a book about Fer. He’s fascinating to me. There has to be a story there. He has so many layers and I think he needs to shine in the spotlight. He’s be the perfect character for Ashe with his messed up circumstances and heart of gold that he hides behind a bad attitude and crass language.
I’m very happy I decided to read this immediately after finishing the previous book. I was going to wait but I realized I couldn’t. Whatever Ashe has planned for any of the Wahredua guys I am looking forward to!
February 15, 2025
MM has been such a miss for me for the past year or so. Nearly everything coming out lacks any finesse, most is so gimmicky, and there’s no substance. But Gregory has given me life and I have desperately needed it. This series is all of the things I adore. The thing is these are books with spice but are not spicy books. Gregory does not sacrifice quality just to get in more sex. There are actual stories here with deeply thought out and well developed characters and plot.
Auggie and Theo absolutely wrecked me!! I love these two so much!
Auggie and Theo absolutely wrecked me!! I love these two so much!
November 5, 2023
4.5 stars
May 16, 2023
“And at some point, you’re going to want to go home, right?”
The worst part actually came after the surprise and the surge of hurt that followed, when Auggie realized that Theo hadn’t even realized what he’d said. Home. Theo was still scrolling on his phone, and Auggie sat back in his chair, the legs squeaking as he shifted his weight. Auggie opened his mouth to say, This is home. You’re home. But Theo should have known that. Theo should have understood that.
Soooo, The Second Quarto anyone? Greg?? Shakespeare has 34 more plays to name these books after, c'mon.
This was a great wrap-up to this arc. Some of my favorite established relationship angst and hurt/comfort stuff. A little bittersweet and too real with at the end but I know what I sign up for when I read Gregory Ashe. At least they're on a path to something better and Theo is out of the circle of self-fulfilling prophecies of doom and gloom (for real this time, fingers crossed 🤞). It took him a while but he's there now, I believe it.
Can't wait to see these two again in whatever capacity Greg brings them back. They really grew on me a lot throughout this series and I hope we see more of them beyond this and the crossover series.
July 3, 2024
**2024 Reread**
God, I love these two so much. I can't even put into words how or why, but I just really do.
Chuy breaks my heart because he reminds me of someone I know.
And Fer. Oh, Fer. I can't wait for his story. It's currently being serialized on GA's patronage platform, https://patrons.gregoryashe.com, for anyone interested. I'm loving it so far.
It was great to re-read these and experience it all over again (my god, did these two get injured a lot lol), and fall in love with them just a little bit more.
Are we even surprised that this book is amazing? I'm not. Honestly, at this point, I'm fully convinced Gregory Ashe is a genius. The way he weaved Hamlet (the last chapter of Theo's dissertation) into this storyline was gorgeous and poetic. And the moment it all comes crashing to the surface is one of the best scenes in the story.
Some of the scenes hit on so many things in my own life or that I've experienced in my own life that it was painful yet amazing to see how well GA managed to write them. Theo's parents, for example. And Chuy. Oh, Chuy.
But, never fear. There is plenty of humor and snark to go along with the pain and anguish. And as always, the depth of all the characters and the realism in their flaws makes you love them at the same time you want to shake them.
This was a satisfying conclusion to a beautiful arc for these two characters, with enough unspoken (rattle rattle...) to leave room for conflict in the future. I could love to see more of these two, but knowing they have popped up already in the future and will again makes me happy, even if we don't get another arc from them (although...maybe eventually...if we say pretty please?)
If anyone would like to see bits and pieces of more Theo and Auggie, they make several guest appearances in the Hazard and Somerset: Arrows in the Hand series.
And if you'd like to know what happens with Lender and all the other baddies in Wahredua, the first start in the Hazard and Somerset series starts just mere months after A Fault Against the Dead ends.
Also, Thuggiana, the fan name that GA made canon, is a short story collection coming out on Nov 4th that can't be missed.
AND, from what I understand, GA is writing a crossover series hopefully next year that will feature all our favorite Hazardverse characters, including these gorgeous dorks.
God, I love these two so much. I can't even put into words how or why, but I just really do.
Chuy breaks my heart because he reminds me of someone I know.
And Fer. Oh, Fer. I can't wait for his story. It's currently being serialized on GA's patronage platform, https://patrons.gregoryashe.com, for anyone interested. I'm loving it so far.
It was great to re-read these and experience it all over again (my god, did these two get injured a lot lol), and fall in love with them just a little bit more.
Are we even surprised that this book is amazing? I'm not. Honestly, at this point, I'm fully convinced Gregory Ashe is a genius. The way he weaved Hamlet (the last chapter of Theo's dissertation) into this storyline was gorgeous and poetic. And the moment it all comes crashing to the surface is one of the best scenes in the story.
Some of the scenes hit on so many things in my own life or that I've experienced in my own life that it was painful yet amazing to see how well GA managed to write them. Theo's parents, for example. And Chuy. Oh, Chuy.
But, never fear. There is plenty of humor and snark to go along with the pain and anguish. And as always, the depth of all the characters and the realism in their flaws makes you love them at the same time you want to shake them.
This was a satisfying conclusion to a beautiful arc for these two characters, with enough unspoken (rattle rattle...) to leave room for conflict in the future. I could love to see more of these two, but knowing they have popped up already in the future and will again makes me happy, even if we don't get another arc from them (although...maybe eventually...if we say pretty please?)
If anyone would like to see bits and pieces of more Theo and Auggie, they make several guest appearances in the Hazard and Somerset: Arrows in the Hand series.
And if you'd like to know what happens with Lender and all the other baddies in Wahredua, the first start in the Hazard and Somerset series starts just mere months after A Fault Against the Dead ends.
Also, Thuggiana, the fan name that GA made canon, is a short story collection coming out on Nov 4th that can't be missed.
AND, from what I understand, GA is writing a crossover series hopefully next year that will feature all our favorite Hazardverse characters, including these gorgeous dorks.
October 22, 2023
What an ending!! And J.F. Harding’s narration?! Perfection. It hurt so good at times, and even though I have come to expect that from Ashe, I'm still caught off guard every time. It's smarty and witty with the Shakespeare tie-ins, great banter, and of course, Fer's insults. The romance is tough won, but this installment is so necessary to get them where they need to go. And while the mystery does take a little more of a backseat, it is in no way less interesting and Thuggie is put through the physical ringer just as much as an emotional one. Absolutely amazing from start to finish!
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